Cost Information

Cost information residential conveyancing for private clients only (exclusive of additional services)

Introduction:

When you make an enquiry for us to conduct work on your behalf we will provide you with a detailed estimate of costs and timeframes and as part of our Treating Clients Fairly Policy, will update you if there are any changes.

Below are some worked examples for the following types of transactions, to demonstrate the scope of anticipated work and how our fees are calculated. You will appreciate that there are many variables and so it is important that you discuss the specifics of your matter with us and only take these worked examples as a guide. If your transaction falls out of the examples below, please contact us so we can provide you with a cost estimate.

  1. Residential Conveyancing – Freehold purchase
  2. Residential Conveyancing – Leasehold purchase
  3. Residential Conveyancing – Freehold sale
  4. Residential Conveyancing – Leasehold sale
  5. Residential Conveyancing – Mortgage (Freehold)
  6. Residential Conveyancing – Re-mortgage (Leasehold)

 

Residential Conveyancing – Freehold Purchase

Client examples – purchase of residential freehold – purchase price band of £350,000 – £500,000

Our fees cover all of the work required to complete the purchase of your new home, including dealing with registration at the Land Registry and dealing with the payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) if the property is in England, or Land Transaction Tax (LTT) if the property you wish to buy is in Wales.

Conveyancer’s anticipated fees Cost VAT
Our average legal fees on your purchase
(
price band of £350,000 – £500,000)
£1450.00 £290.00
For acting on behalf of the mortgage lender
(Not chargeable on a cash purchase)
£150.00 £30.00
Telegraphic Transfer Fee
Administration Fee for Telegraphic Transfer Fee per transfer of funds
£20.00
£20.00
£4.00
£4.00
Total legal fees £1,640.00 £328.00
     
Total average legal fees including VAT £1,968.00  

In addition to our fees we would expect the following disbursements to apply to such a matter. Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Land Registry fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

 

Conveyancer’s anticipated disbursements Cost VAT
Average range of standard search fees (estimated) £300.00 – 550.00 To be confirmed
Land Registry Transfer Registration Fee (estimated) £330.00 – 655.00 No VAT  
SDLT/ LTT submission including fees £50.00 £10.00
Pre Exchange and Completion searches against the property and borrowers names (OS1/K16 searches (estimated)) £7.00 No VAT
Lawyer checker – a search to verify the bank account to which your completion monies would be paid (cost per check) £18.00 £3.60
SDLT /LTT Payable (estimated on basis that you are buying on your own or with your spouse, you will be replacing your main residence and that neither of you will have any interest in any other property at all and that you are not buying in a company or trust structure) TBC No VAT
     
Total disbursements excluding VAT (assuming lower estimated figures): £705.00 To be confirmed

 

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) / Land Transaction Tax(LTT) (on purchase)

This depends on the purchase price of your property and a number of other variables which vary from transaction to transaction and relate to your personal circumstances.

You can calculate the amount you will need to pay by using HMRC’s website if the property is in England or Northern Ireland:

https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/calculate-stamp-duty-land-tax/#/intro

If the property is located in Wales please use the Welsh Revenue Authority’s website:

https://beta.gov.wales/land-transaction-tax-calculator

Our fee assumes that:

  1. this is a standard transaction and that no unforeseen matters arise including for example (but not limited to) a defect in title which requires remedying prior to completion or the preparation of additional documents ancillary to the main transaction
  2. all the property to be purchased is registered at Land Registry in the name of the seller, and that all title documents and information are registered
  3. the transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complication(s) arise
  4. all parties to the transaction are co-operative and there is no unreasonable delay from third parties providing documentation
  5. no indemnity policies are required. Additional disbursements may apply if indemnity policies are required
  6. if a lender will be contributing to the purchase monies that they will jointly instruct us to act for them. If another lawyer will separately represent any lender then additional work will be involved which will be charged at an hourly rate of £390 + VAT. We will discuss this with you if applicable before incurring any additional fees.
  7. the purchase monies will originate from your funds or a lender only; if funds are to originate from any other source or from a third party then additional work will be involved which will be charged at an hourly rate of £390 + VAT. We will discuss this with you if applicable before incurring any additional fees.
  8. if the transaction involves any of the following we will need to obtain further information from you before we can advise whether additional work will be involved. If any additional work is required, it will be charged at an hourly rate of £390 + VAT. We will discuss this with you if applicable before incurring any additional fees:
    • New build or converted property
    • multiple or beneficial owners
    • shared ownership and or Help to Buy
    • Auction transaction, sale by receiver or mortgagee in possession, or probate or power of attorney sales.

This list is non-exhaustive as it is not possible to detail here every possible scenario.

Stages of the process

The precise stages involved in the purchase of a residential freehold property vary according to the circumstances. However, below we have suggested some key stages that will apply to most transactions of this type:

  • Take your instructions and give you initial advice
  • Check finances are in place to fund purchase and contact lender’s solicitors if needed
  • Receive and advise on contract documents
  • Carry out searches
  • Obtain further planning documentation if required
  • Make any necessary enquiries of seller’s solicitor
  • Give you advice on all documents and information received
  • Go through conditions of mortgage offer if any
  • Send final contract and any other necessary documents to you for signature
  • Draft Transfer
  • Advise you on joint ownership
  • Advise you on insurance obligations/ requirements
  • Obtain pre-completion searches
  • Agree completion date (date from which you own the property)
  • Exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened
  • Arrange for all monies needed to be received from lender and you
  • Complete purchase and attend to post completion formalities
  • Deal with payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax / Land Transaction Tax
  • Deal with application for registration at Land Registry and satisfy any compliance requirements on purchase
  • Update you and any lender

How long will my home purchase take?

How long it will take from your offer being accepted until you can move in to your home will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between 6-12 weeks.

It can be quicker or slower, depending on the parties in the chain. For example, if you are a first time buyer, purchasing a new build property with a mortgage in principle, it could take 12-16 weeks. However, if someone in the chain is buying a leasehold property that requires an extension of the lease, this can take significantly longer, between 3 and 6 months on average. If additional work is required, it will be charged at an hourly rate of £390 + VAT. We will discuss this with you if applicable before incurring any additional fees.

 

Residential Conveyancing – Leasehold purchase

Client examples – purchase of residential leasehold – purchase price band of £350,000 to £500,000

Our fees cover all of the work required to complete the purchase of your new home, including dealing with registration at the Land Registry and dealing with the payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) if the property is in England, or Land Transaction Tax (LTT) if the property you wish to buy is in Wales.

Conveyancer’s anticipated fees Cost VAT
Our average legal fees on your purchase
(
price band of £350,000 – £500,000)
£1,650.00 £330.00
For acting on behalf of the mortgage lender
(Not chargeable on a cash purchase)
£150.00 £30.00
Telegraphic Transfer Fee
Administration Fee for Telegraphic Transfer Fee per transfer of funds
£20.00
£20.00
£4.00
£4.00
Total legal fees £1,840.00 £368.00
     
Total average legal fees including VAT £2,208.00  

In addition to our fees we would expect the following disbursements to apply to such a matter. Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Land Registry fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

Conveyancer’s anticipated disbursements Cost VAT
Average range of standard search fees (estimated) £300.00 – 550.00 To be confirmed
Land Registry Transfer Registration Fee (estimated) £330.00 – 655.00 No VAT  
SDLT /LTT submission including fees £50.00 £10.00
Pre Exchange and Completion searches against the property and borrowers names (OS1/K16 searches (estimated)) £7.00 No VAT
Lawyer checker – a search to verify the bank account to which your completion monies would be paid (cost per check) £18.00 £3.60
SDLT/LTT Payable – until the precise terms of the lease are disclosed we cannot provide an estimate. We will however be able to provide details once the seller shares details of the title and you provide confirmation of your circumstances – e.g. are you buying on your own or with your spouse, you will be replacing your main residence and that neither of you will have any interest in any other property at all and that you are not buying in a company or trust structure, etc To be confirmed See below No VAT
Notice Fees chargeable under the lease – as these vary from property to property we cannot give any guidance of what the landlord or managing agent might charge. We will however be able to provide details once the seller shares the management pack along with draft contracts. The following are examples of the ranges that we commonly see on transactions and can on occasion be significantly more than the ranges given. Not every transaction will require all the following additional disbursements. We can give you an accurate figure once we have sight of your specific documents especially the lease in question. To be confirmed To be confirmed
·         Notice of Transfer fee £50.00 — £200.00 To be confirmed
·         Notice of Charge fee (if the property is to be mortgaged) – £50.00 — £200.00 To be confirmed
·         Deed of Covenant fee £100.00 — £300.00 To be confirmed
·         Certificate of Compliance fee £100.00 — £300.00 To be confirmed
You should also be aware that ground rent and service charge are likely to apply throughout your ownership of the property. We will confirm the ground rent and the anticipated service charge as soon as we receive this information. To be confirmed To be confirmed
     
Total disbursements excluding VAT (assuming lower estimated figures): £1,005.00 To be confirmed

 

Stamp Duty Land Tax or Land Transaction Tax (on purchase)

This depends on the purchase price of your property and a number of other variables which vary from transaction to transaction and relate to your personal circumstances.

You can calculate the amount you will need to pay by using HMRC’s website if the property is in England or Northern Ireland:

https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/calculate-stamp-duty-land-tax/#/intro

If the property is located in Wales please use the Welsh Revenue Authority’s website:

https://beta.gov.wales/land-transaction-tax-calculator

 

Our fee assumes that:

  1. this is a standard transaction and that no unforeseen matters arise including for example (but not limited to) a defect in title which requires remedying prior to completion or the preparation of additional documents ancillary to the main transaction
  2. all the property to be purchased is registered at Land Registry in the name of the seller, and that all title documents and information are registered.
  3. the freehold interest and any superior leasehold interests are also registered at Land Registry
  4. the Lease is in a form which is acceptable to a proposed lender
  5. there is a Landlord and or Management Company performing their obligations under the terms of the Lease
  6. the transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complication(s) arise
  7. all parties to the transaction are co-operative and there is no unreasonable delay from third parties providing documentation
  8. no indemnity policies are required. Additional disbursements may apply if indemnity policies are required
  9. if a lender will be contributing to the purchase monies that they will jointly instruct us to act for them. If another lawyer will separately represent any lender then additional work will be involved which will be charged at an hourly rate of £390 + VAT. We will discuss this with you if applicable before incurring any additional fees.
  10. the purchase monies will originate from your funds or a lender only; if funds are to originate from any other source or from a third party then additional work will be involved which will be charged at an hourly rate of £390 + VAT. We will discuss this with you if applicable before incurring any additional fees.
  11. if the transaction involves any of the following we will need to obtain further information from you before we can advise whether additional work will be involved. If any additional work is required, it will be charged at an hourly rate of £390 + VAT. We will discuss this with you if applicable before incurring any additional fees:
    • New build or converted property
    • multiple or beneficial owners
    • shared ownership and or Help to Buy
    • Auction transaction, sale by receiver or mortgagee in possession, or probate or power of attorney sales.

This list is non-exhaustive as it is not possible to detail here every possible scenario.

Stages of the process

The precise stages involved in the purchase of a residential leasehold property vary according to the circumstances. However, below we have suggested some key stages that will apply to most transactions of this type:

  • Take your instructions and give you initial advice
  • Check finances are in place to fund purchase and contact lender’s solicitors if needed
  • Receive and advise on contract documents
  • Carry out searches
  • Obtain further planning documentation if required
  • Make any necessary enquiries of seller’s solicitor
  • Review Management Pack and replies to Management Enquiries
  • Review any apportionments of rent and or service charges due on completion/ transfer
  • Give you advice on all documents and information received
  • Go through conditions of mortgage offer if any
  • Send final contract and any other necessary documents to you for signature
  • Draft Transfer
  • Draft additional notices and or deeds if applicable
  • Advise you on joint ownership
  • Advise you on insurance obligations/ requirements
  • Obtain pre-completion searches
  • Agree completion date (date from which you own the property)
  • Exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened
  • Arrange for all monies needed to be received from lender and you
  • Complete purchase and attend to post completion formalities including attending to notices etc
  • Deal with payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax/ Land Transaction Tax
  • Deal with application for registration at Land Registry and satisfy any compliance requirements on purchase
  • Update you and any lender

How long will my home purchase take?

How long it will take from your offer being accepted until you can move in to your home will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between 6-12 weeks.

It can be quicker or slower, depending on the parties in the chain. For example, if you are a first time buyer, purchasing a new build property with a mortgage in principle, it could take 12-16 weeks. However, if there is an issue with the lease you are buying or you or your lender requires that the lease is extended, this can take significantly longer, between 3 and 6 months on average. If additional work is required, it will be charged at an hourly rate of £390 + VAT. We will discuss this with you if applicable before incurring any additional fees.

 

Residential Conveyancing – Freehold sale

Client examples – sale of residential freehold– sale price band of £350,000 to £500,000

Our fees cover all of the work required to complete the sale of your home, including dealing with the redemption of any existing mortgage.

Conveyancer’s anticipated fees Cost VAT
Our average legal fees on your sale
(
price band of £350,000 – £500,000)
£1,350.00 £270.00
Telegraphic Transfer Fee
Administration Fee for Telegraphic Transfer Fee per transfer of funds (assuming 2 – one to redeem a mortgage, and one to transfer net proceeds of sale to your nominated account)
£40.00
£40.00
£8.00
£8.00
Total legal fees £1,430.00 £286.00
     
Total average legal fees including VAT £1,716.00  

In addition to our fees we would expect the following disbursements to apply to such a matter. Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Land Registry fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

Conveyancer’s anticipated disbursements Cost VAT
Land Registry Office Copies (charged per document required to show ownership) (estimated assuming one title consisting of register and plan only) £6.00 No VAT  
Lawyer checker – a search to verify the bank account from which the buyer’s completion monies would be received (cost per check) £18.00 £3.60
     
Total disbursements including VAT (assuming lower estimated figures): £24.60  

 

Our fee assumes that:

  1. this is a standard transaction and that no unforeseen matters arise including for example (but not limited to) a defect in title which requires remedying prior to completion or the preparation of additional documents ancillary to the main transaction
  2. all the property being sold is registered at Land Registry in your current and full name, and that all title documents and information are registered.
  3. the transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complication(s) arise
  4. all parties to the transaction are co-operative and there is no unreasonable delay from third parties providing documentation
  5. no indemnity policies are required. Additional disbursements may apply if indemnity policies are required
  6. accurate information about any charge or mortgage and authority to obtain information from your lender is provided so that we can obtain redemption statements.
  7. if the transaction involves any of the following we will need to obtain further information from you before we can advise whether additional work will be involved. If any additional work is required, it will be charged at an hourly rate of £390 + VAT. We will discuss this with you if applicable before incurring any additional fees:
    • New build or converted property
    • multiple or beneficial owners
    • Auction transaction, sale by receiver or mortgagee in possession, or probate or power of attorney sales.

This list is non-exhaustive as it is not possible to detail here every possible scenario.

Stages of the process

The precise stages involved in the sale of a residential property vary according to the circumstances. However, below we have suggested some key stages:

  • Take your instructions and give you initial advice
  • Liaise with you about the completion of essential information forms regarding your home
  • Review transaction and ensure that finances enable the redemption of any mortgage
  • Prepare and advise on contract documents
  • Obtain further planning documentation, building regulation approvals, FENSA certificates, warranties and so forth
  • Submit contract and support documentation to the seller’s solicitors
  • Deal with purchaser’s solicitors pre-contract enquiries
  • Send final contract to you for signature
  • Agree completion date (date at which you sell the property)
  • Exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened
  • Arrange for all monies needed to be received from the purchaser’s solicitors
  • Redeem any mortgage
  • Complete sale

 

How long will my home sale take?

How long it will take for you to sell your home will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between 6-8 weeks.

It can be quicker or slower, depending on the parties in the chain. For example, if you are at the top of the chain, it could take 12-16 weeks. However, if someone in the chain is buying a leasehold property that requires an extension of the lease, this can take significantly longer, between 3 and 6 months on average.

 

Residential Conveyancing – Leasehold sale

Client examples – sale of residential leasehold– sale price band of £350,000 to £500,000

Our fees cover all of the work required to complete the sale of your home, including dealing with the redemption of any existing mortgage.

Conveyancer’s anticipated fees Cost VAT
Our average legal fees on your sale
(
price band of £350,000 – £500,000)
£1,550.00 £310.00
Telegraphic Transfer Fee
Administration Fee for Telegraphic Transfer Fee per transfer of funds (assuming 2 – one to redeem a mortgage, and one to transfer net proceeds of sale to your nominated account)
£40.00
£40.00
£8.00
£8.00
Total legal fees £1,630.00 £326.00
     
Total average legal fees including VAT £1,956.00  

In addition to our fees we would expect the following disbursements to apply to such a matter. Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Land Registry fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

Conveyancer’s anticipated disbursements Cost VAT
Land Registry Office Copies (charged per document required to show ownership) (estimated assuming one leasehold title consisting of lease, register and plan and one freehold / superior title consisting of register and plan only) £15.00 No VAT  
Lawyer checker – a search to verify the bank account from which the buyer’s completion monies would be received (cost per check) £18.00 £3.60
Leaseholder Management Pack – your landlord or their managing agents will provide up to date information about the lease and rent/ service charge payments as well as other essential information. Your landlord or their managing agent may charge a fee for this information known as a management pack. As the costs vary from case to case and are set by your landlord or their managing agents you might like to ask your landlord what the fee will be. We will find out for you once we are instructed. To be confirmed To be confirmed
Notice or Licence Fees chargeable under the lease. Not every lease will require notice or licence fees and until we check the lease document and review the management pack we cannot advise whether they will apply to your sale nor what the costs may be as they are set by your landlord or their managing agents. We will find out for you once we are instructed. To be confirmed To be confirmed
     
Total disbursements excluding VAT (assuming lower estimated figures): £33.00  

 

Our fee assumes that:

  1. this is a standard transaction and that no unforeseen matters arise including for example (but not limited to) a defect in title which requires remedying prior to completion or the preparation of additional documents ancillary to the main transaction
  2. all the property being sold is registered at Land Registry in your current and full name, and that all title documents and information are registered.
  3. the freehold interest and any superior leasehold interests are also registered at Land Registry
  4. the Lease is in a form which is acceptable to a proposed lender
  5. there is a Landlord and or Management Company performing their obligations under the terms of the Lease
  6. the transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complication(s) arise
  7. all parties to the transaction are co-operative and there is no unreasonable delay from third parties providing documentation
  8. no indemnity policies are required. Additional disbursements may apply if indemnity policies are required
  9. accurate information about any charge or mortgage and authority to obtain information from your lender is provided so that we can obtain redemption statements.
  10. if the transaction involves any of the following we will need to obtain further information from you before we can advise whether additional work will be involved. If any additional work is required, it will be charged at an hourly rate of £390 + VAT. We will discuss this with you if applicable before incurring any additional fees:
    • New build or converted property
    • multiple or beneficial owners
    • shared ownership
    • Auction transaction, sale by receiver or mortgagee in possession, or probate or power of attorney sales.

This list is non-exhaustive as it is not possible to detail here every possible scenario.

Stages of the process

The precise stages involved in the sale of a residential property vary according to the circumstances. However, below we have suggested some key stages:

  • Take your instructions and give you initial advice
  • Liaise with you about the completion of essential information forms regarding your home
  • Liaise with your landlord or their managing agents to obtain up to date information about the lease and rent/ service charge payment as well as other information. Your landlord or their managing agent may charge a fee for this information known as a management pack.
  • Review any apportionments of rent and or service charges due on completion/ transfer
  • Review transaction and ensure that finances enable the redemption of any mortgage
  • Prepare and advise on contract documents
  • Obtain further planning documentation, building regulation approvals, FENSA certificates, warranties and so forth
  • Submit contract and support documentation to the seller’s solicitors
  • Deal with purchaser’s solicitors pre-contract enquiries
  • Send final contract and other documents to you for signature
  • Agree completion date (date at which you sell the property)
  • Exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened
  • Arrange for all monies needed to be received from the purchaser’s solicitors
  • Redeem any agreed mortgage
  • Complete sale

How long will my home sale take?

How long it will take for you to sell your home will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between 6-8 weeks.

It can be quicker or slower, depending on the parties in the chain. For example, if you are at the top of the chain, it could take 12-16 weeks. However, if your lease or someone else in the chain is selling a leasehold property that requires an extension of the lease, this can take significantly longer, between 3 and 6 months on average.

 

Residential Conveyancing – Mortgage

Client examples – mortgage of residential freehold property – assuming loan value of £80,000.00

Our fees cover all of the work required to complete the mortgage of your home.

Conveyancer’s anticipated fees Cost VAT
Our average legal fees on your mortgage £1,100.00 £220.00
Telegraphic Transfer Fee
Administration Fee for Telegraphic Transfer Fee per transfer of funds
£20.00
£20.00
£4.00
£4.00
Total legal fees £1,140.00 £228.00
If transfer of title involved £200.00 £40.00
Total average legal fees including VAT £1,608.00  

In addition to our fees we would expect the following disbursements to apply to such a matter. Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Land Registry fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

Conveyancer’s anticipated disbursements Cost VAT
Land Registry Office Copies (charged per document required to show ownership) (estimated assuming one title consisting of register and plan only) £6.00 No VAT  
Average range of standard search fees (estimated) £300.00 – 550.00 To be confirmed
Land Registry Transfer Registration Fee (estimated) £20.00 – 45.00 No VAT  
Pre Exchange and Completion searches against the property and borrowers names (OS1/K16 searches (estimated)) £7.00 No VAT
Lawyer checker – if the lender instructs a lawyer to separately represent the lender. £18.00 £3.60
     
Total disbursements excluding VAT (assuming lower estimated figures): £351.00  

 

Our fee assumes that:

  1. this is a standard transaction and that no unforeseen matters arise including for example (but not limited to) a defect in title which requires remedying prior to completion or the preparation of additional documents ancillary to the main transaction
  2. the property to be mortgaged is owned by the proposed borrowers in their full and correct names, and the property is registered at Land Registry and that all title documents and information are registered.
  3. the transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complication(s) arise
  4. all parties to the transaction are co-operative and there is no unreasonable delay from third parties providing documentation
  5. no indemnity policies are required. Additional disbursements may apply if indemnity policies are required
  6. the lender will jointly instruct us to act for them. If another lawyer will separately represent any lender then additional work will be involved which will be charged at an hourly rate of £390 + VAT. We will discuss this with you if applicable before incurring any additional fees.
  7. if the transaction involves any of the following we will need to obtain further information from you before we can advise whether additional work will be involved. If any additional work is required, it will be charged at an hourly rate of £390 + VAT. We will discuss this with you if applicable before incurring any additional fees:
    • New build or converted property
    • multiple or beneficial owners
    • shared ownership

This list is non-exhaustive as it is not possible to detail here every possible scenario.

Stages of the process

The precise stages involved in the mortgage of a freehold residential property vary according to the circumstances. However, below we have suggested some key stages:

  • Take your instructions and give you initial advice
  • Liaise with you about the completion of essential information forms regarding your home
  • Liaise with the lender or their lawyer regarding their requirements
  • Obtain searches and replies to enquiries
  • Obtain further planning documentation, building regulation approvals, FENSA certificates, warranties and so forth
  • Receive, review and advise you on the terms of the mortgage
  • Liaise with lender regarding release of funds
  • Send final mortgage deed and other relevant documents to you for signature
  • Agree completion date (date at which your new mortgage will begin)
  • Arrange for all monies needed to be received from the lender or their solicitors
  • Complete mortgage and attend to post completion formalities
  • Release net proceeds of mortgage to your nominated account
  • Deal with application for registration at Land Registry and satisfy any compliance requirements on mortgage
  • Update you and any lender

How long will my mortgage take?

How long it will take for you to mortgage your home will depend on a number of factors, including how long it takes for the lender to provide a mortgage offer, for a valuation to be carried out, obtain and review search results and the lender to release funds. The average process takes between 6-8 weeks.

It can be quicker or slower, depending on any unexpected issues on title, with a valuation or search results.

 

Residential Conveyancing – Re-mortgage

Client examples – re-mortgage of residential leasehold property – assuming loan value of £80,000.00

Our fees cover all of the work required to complete the re-mortgage of your home, including dealing with the redemption of any existing mortgage.

Conveyancer’s anticipated fees Cost VAT
Our average legal fees on your re-mortgage
(
price band of £350,000 – £500,000)
£1,100.00 £220.00
Telegraphic Transfer Fee
Administration Fee for Telegraphic Transfer Fee per transfer of funds (assuming 2 – one to redeem a mortgage, and one to transfer net proceeds of re mortgage to your nominated account)
£40.00
£40.00
£8.00
£8.00
Total legal fees £1,180.00 £236.00
     
Total average legal fees including VAT £1,416.00  

In addition to our fees we would expect the following disbursements to apply to such a matter. Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Land Registry fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

Conveyancer’s anticipated disbursements Cost VAT
Land Registry Office Copies (charged per document required to show ownership) (estimated assuming one leasehold title consisting of lease, register and plan and one freehold / superior title consisting of register and plan only) £15.00 No VAT  
Average range of standard search fees (estimated) £300.00 – 550.00 To be confirmed
Land Registry Transfer Registration Fee (estimated) £20.00 – 45.00 No VAT  
Pre Exchange and Completion searches against the property and borrowers names (OS1/K16 searches (estimated)) £7.00 No VAT
Lawyer checker – if the lender instructs a lawyer to separately represent the lender. £18.00 £3.60
Leaseholder Management Pack – your landlord or their managing agents will provide up to date information about the lease and rent/ service charge payments as well as other essential information. Your landlord or their managing agent may charge a fee for this information known as a management pack. As the costs vary from case to case and are set by your landlord or their managing agents you might like to ask your landlord what the fee will be. We will find out for you once we are instructed. To be confirmed To be confirmed
Notice or Licence Fees chargeable under the lease. Not every lease will require notice or licence fees and until we check the lease document and review the management pack we cannot advise whether they will apply to re mortgage nor what the costs may be as they are set by your landlord or their managing agents. We will find out for you once we are instructed. To be confirmed To be confirmed
Notice Fees chargeable under the lease – as these vary from property to property we cannot give any guidance of what the landlord or managing agent might charge. We will however be able to provide details once the management pack has been received. The following are examples of the ranges that we commonly see on transactions and can on occasion be significantly more than the ranges given. Not every transaction will require all the following additional disbursements. We can give you an accurate figure once we have sight of your specific documents especially the lease in question. To be confirmed To be confirmed
·         Notice of Charge fee £50.00 — £200.00 To be confirmed
You should also be aware that ground rent and service charge are likely to apply throughout your ownership of the property. We will confirm the ground rent and the anticipated service charge as soon as this we receive this information. To be confirmed To be confirmed
     
Total disbursements excluding VAT (assuming lower estimated figures): £410.00 To be confirmed

 

Our fee assumes that:

  1. this is a standard transaction and that no unforeseen matters arise including for example (but not limited to) a defect in title which requires remedying prior to completion or the preparation of additional documents ancillary to the main transaction
  2. the property to be re-mortgaged is owned by the proposed borrowers in their full and correct names, and the property is registered at Land Registry and that all title documents and information are registered.
  3. the freehold interest and any superior leasehold interests are also registered at Land Registry
  4. the Lease is in a form which is acceptable to a proposed lender
  5. there is a Landlord and or Management Company performing their obligations under the terms of the Lease
  6. the transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complication(s) arise
  7. all parties to the transaction are co-operative and there is no unreasonable delay from third parties providing documentation
  8. no indemnity policies are required. Additional disbursements may apply if indemnity policies are required
  9. the lender will jointly instruct us to act for them. If another lawyer will separately represent any lender then additional work will be involved which will be charged at an hourly rate of £390 + VAT. We will discuss this with you if applicable before incurring any additional fees.
  10. if the transaction involves any of the following we will need to obtain further information from you before we can advise whether additional work will be involved. If any additional work is required, it will be charged at an hourly rate of £390 + VAT. We will discuss this with you if applicable before incurring any additional fees:
    • New build or converted property
    • multiple or beneficial owners
    • shared ownership


This list is non-exhaustive as it is not possible to detail here every possible scenario.

Stages of the process

The precise stages involved in the sale of a residential property vary according to the circumstances. However, below we have suggested some key stages:

  • Take your instructions and give you initial advice
  • Liaise with you about the completion of essential information forms regarding your home
  • Liaise with your landlord or their managing agents to obtain up to date information about the lease and rent/ service charge payment as well as other information. Your landlord or their managing agent may charge a fee for this information known as a management pack.
  • Review transaction and ensure that finances enable the redemption of any mortgage
  • Liaise with the lender or their lawyer regarding their requirements
  • Obtain searches and replies to enquiries
  • Obtain further planning documentation, building regulation approvals, FENSA certificates, warranties and so forth
  • Receive, review and advise you on the terms of the mortgage
  • Liaise with lender regarding release of funds
  • Send final mortgage deed and other relevant documents to you for signature
  • Agree completion date (date at which your new mortgage will begin)
  • Arrange for all monies needed to be received from the lender or their solicitors
  • Complete re-mortgage and attend to post completion formalities
  • Redeem any agreed mortgage
  • Release net proceeds of re-mortgage to your nominated account
  • Deal with application for registration at Land Registry and satisfy any compliance requirements on mortgage
  • Update you and any lender

How long will my re-mortgage take?

How long it will take for you to re- mortgage your home will depend on a number of factors, including how long it takes for the lender to provide a mortgage offer, for a valuation to be carried out, obtain and review search results and the lender to release funds. The average process takes between 6-8 weeks.

It can be quicker or slower, depending on any unexpected issues on title, with a valuation or search results or lease defects or issues for example if an extension of the lease is required, this can take significantly longer, between 3 and 6 months on average.